Tali Gottlieb Accuses Defense Minister Katz of Insulting Likud Voters Over Primary Slot

On Tuesday morning, Likud MK Tali Gottlieb sharply criticized Defense Minister Israel Katz regarding the reserved slot he received in the Likud primaries. Gottlieb accused Katz of disrespecting the intelligence of Likud voters by continuing his campaign and releasing a promotional video titled "Boom Boom Boom" despite already knowing he was guaranteed a reserved position over a week earlier. She questioned Katz's motives, asking why he would produce such a video if his place was secured, suggesting he might fear not making the top five.

Gottlieb also clarified that she voted in favor of reserved slots at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request and opposed incumbent MKs running in each other's districts, a position upheld by the party court. She denied that Netanyahu was behind Katz's move, asserting that Katz acted independently.

Media commentator Ziv Maor offered insight into the reserved slots blitz, explaining that Netanyahu aims to moderate the party list. Katz is seen as a moderate figure who can attract votes from certain constituencies and holds strong influence within Likud's institutions, aiding internal decision-making. Maor noted the unusual nature of Katz campaigning despite knowing his slot was secured and highlighted uncertainty about how the party's ideological wing will respond.

The controversy unfolded amid a tense morning following the overnight announcement of reserved slots in the Likud primaries, reflecting internal party dynamics ahead of upcoming elections.